Week 7
Time
Activity
Setup
Coaching Focus
0–8 Minutes
No-Cradle Warm-Up
Setup
Play 4v4 or 5v5 in a small area. After a player catches the ball, they are not allowed to cradle.
Rules
No cradling after a catch.If a player cradles, it is a turnover.Players must pass, shoot, or move quickly.Keep restarts fast.
Coaching Cues
“Know your next play before the ball arrives.”“Move to help the ball.”“Show a target.”“Eyes up.”“Support early.”
Quick Question
What did you have to do before the ball got to you?
8–20 Minutes
3v3 Transition Game
Setup
Play 3v3 with goalies if available. Start with a loose ball, goalie outlet, or coach pass.
Rules
One pass required before shooting.If defense wins the ball, they transition the other way.Keep reps short and fast.Rotate quickly.
Offensive Focus
Players should push with purpose, move the ball, and recognize open space.
Defensive Focus
Players should stop ball, protect the middle, and communicate early.
Coaching Cues
“Push with purpose.”“Make two defenders react.”“Stop ball first.”“Protect the middle.”“Talk early.”
Quick Question
When should we attack quickly, and when should we settle?
20–35 Minutes
Numbers Advantage
Setup
Play 4v3 or 5v4 depending on numbers.
Rules
Offense must complete two passes before shooting.Defense earns a point for a stop or clear.Offense earns a point for a goal created through ball movement.
Offensive Focus
Move the defense before shooting. Do not just pass around the outside.
Defensive Focus
Communicate, slide, recover, and protect the middle.
Coaching Cues
“Move the defense.”“Attack the seam.”“Pass, cut, replace.”“Slide with a voice.”“Recover inside.”
Quick Question
Did we move the defense, or did we only move the ball?
35–45 Minutes
Ride & Clear Scrimmage
Setup
Play 4v4, 5v5, or 6v6. Every restart begins with a goalie clear or coach re-entry.
Rules
Clearing team earns a point for a successful clear.Riding team earns a point for a turnover.Quick restarts.Keep score.
Riding Cues
“Ride all the time.”“Turn them back.”“Take away the easy outlet.”“Force one more pass.”
Clearing Cues
“Get wide.”“Show early.”“Move it with confidence.”“Do not throw hope passes.”
Quick Question
What made the clear easier or harder?